News about agriculture in New York State and information farmers and consumers can use in their daily lives.

Friday, May 12, 2017

Craft Beer Trail Bill Passes State Senate

From State Sen. Patty Ritchie's office:

A bill that would help support
local businesses and farmers by creating a “craft beer trail” has passed the
New York state Senate.

New York state-grown hops

Similar
to the way in which wine trails have been established throughout the state, the bill sponsored y Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Oswegatchie, (S.1914) would create a unique tourist destination — known
as the “North Country Craft Beer Trail” — by linking craft breweries in Jefferson
and St. Lawrence counties.

“More
and more frequently, people are looking to eat—and drink—locally made
products,” said Ritchie, who serves as chair of the Senate Agriculture
Committee.

“By
creating the North Country Craft Beer Trail, and potentially establishing other
Craft Beer Trails throughout the state in the future, we can support local
businesses, create jobs and boost the bottom lines of our hardworking farmers.”

In
recent years, New York’s craft beer sector has grown dramatically, with the
number of breweries growing from 95 in 2012 to 320 in 2016. In addition, New York state is fourth
in the country when it comes to craft beer production and the industry has a
total economic impact of $4 billion.

This
legislation is the latest effort by Ritchie to highlight locally
produced goods. Last week, the Senate
passed two measures supported by Ritchie that will help expand markets
for New York’s hard working farmers, which will provide the opportunity to
easily enjoy fresh, locally grown products across the state.

The
measure was sent to the Assembly, where it is sponsored by Assembly Agriculture
Committee Chair Assemblyman Bill Magee.